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With the start of the Major League Baseball regular season now less than seven weeks away, the Los Angeles Angels have moved quickly to secure a short-term media solution, partnering with MLB to offer in-market, direct-to-consumer streaming through the league’s digital platform while keeping other distribution options on the table.
According to a Sports Business Journal report, MLB will offer in-market streaming for 20 teams this season, including the Angels. However, the Angels differ from the other participating clubs. Their game broadcasts will not be produced by MLB. They also will not be distributed through a league-operated regional sports network.
Instead, the Angels said details regarding cable and satellite availability will be announced at a later date, leaving their full distribution plan unresolved as Opening Day approaches.
According to the report, the Angels elected to opt into MLB Media earlier this week largely due to time constraints. Because the club co-owns FanDuel Sports Network West alongside Main Street Sports Group, the Angels have explored the possibility of buying out Main Street’s stake in order to launch a team-controlled network.
That process, however, remains complex and unresolved, prompting the organization to pursue a digital-first option to ensure uninterrupted access for fans when the season begins.
SBJ reported that the Angels requested additional time from MLB to evaluate their long-term television strategy. However, a tightening calendar influenced the decision to move forward with streaming through the MLB App. That approach provides immediate stability for the team. It does not rule out launching a linear network this season or in future years.
For the upcoming season, Angels fans can purchase streaming access for $99.99 annually or $19.99 per month. Subscriptions are expected to become available later this month. The pricing mirrors packages offered by other teams in MLB’s in-market streaming initiative. The league continues to position that model as a cornerstone of its evolving media strategy.
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